Plans submitted for performance space and park

Plans have been submitted to build a park and performance space on the bank of a river.

Gateshead Council has announced the development proposal for Gateshead Quays, next to the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which also includes a plaza and improved pedestrian access.

Both Reform UK councillor Steve Campion and North East mayor Kim McGuinness said this was the first phase in the redevelopment which will prepare the site for the proposed new arena.

Although subject to planning permission, Campion said: "We will see beautiful and high quality public spaces in part of our quayside which has been neglected for too long."

Earlier this year, Reform council leader Nick Allan described the arena as a "vanity project," however McGuinness later said she and Allan had a "constructive" talk over the development.

Construction on the arena on land between the Glasshouse and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art was originally due to begin in autumn 2023.

With £24m in funding from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, the proposal includes the creation of Performance Square, Arrival Plaza and Linear Park.

The Labour mayor said while she wanted to see the area "become a world-class destination", it was "also important that this iconic waterfront works for local people now because for too long it's been overlooked".

"That's why we're investing in a new performance square and park that people can enjoy every day," McGuinness said.

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